JapanesePod101.com Blog

Embarking on a language-learning journey often feels like standing at the foot of a massive mountain. Many learners start with high enthusiasm, only to find themselves lost in a sea of grammar rules, disconnected vocabulary lists, and the frustrating “plateau” where they understand more than they can say. If you’ve ever felt like your brain “slams on the brakes” when it’s time to actually speak, you aren’t alone. The solution isn’t necessarily more study time; it’s a better structure. Enter the 25-Day Guided Language Challenges — a revolutionary, time-bound learning experience designed to replace the chaos of open-ended study with a clear, guided path to visible progress. 1. What Are the 25-Day Guided Language Challenges? The... Show more

If you've ever watched anime or listened to the famous lyric "domo arigato," you might wonder about the word domo. What is the domo meaning in Japanese? Simply put, "domo" (usually romanized as dōmo) is a versatile Japanese word that can mean "thanks," "hello," "sorry," or serve as an intensifier meaning "very," depending on context. In other words, the Japanese meaning isn't one single translation – it changes with how and where you use it. This article will explain the meaning of domo arigato, as well as the many uses of domo in everyday Japanese. In a nutshell: Domo is originally an adverb meaning "very" or "much." However, its meaning shifts in casual conversation. It can be a quick way to say "thanks," a casual greeting like "hi,"... Show more

If you are starting to learn Japanese, you will quickly encounter three different types of characters: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Unlike languages that use a single alphabet, the Japanese language uses all three scripts together in writing. This can be confusing at first, but each script has a specific role. Hiragana and katakana are phonetic syllabaries (each character represents a sound), whereas kanji are characters of Chinese origin that represent meanings. This article will explain katakana vs hiragana vs kanji – what each of these writing systems is, how they differ, and when to use each one. 1. Hiragana Hiragana is one of the core components of the Japanese writing system. In the Japanese language, hiragana is a set of... Show more

The symbol 「ー」 is known as the Japanese chōonpu, a long-vowel mark that often appears as a line in Japanese text. Beginner learners might initially see it as just a dash in Japanese writing, but this character has a specific purpose: it extends the vowel sound of the preceding kana, effectively lengthening that syllable. Visually, the chōonpu appears as a horizontal line in horizontal writing (or a vertical line in vertical text) about the size of a kana character.  It is distinct from a regular punctuation dash or the kanji “一” (the character for “one”), even though it looks similar. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of this Japanese symbol, its different names and origins, how and when it’s used (or not used) in Japanese... Show more

Whether you're just starting to learn Japanese or getting ready for a trip to Japan, one of the first things you'll want to master is how to say yes in Japanese. Being able to say yes, OK, or I agree in the Japanese language is essential for everyday conversations and helps you connect with people more easily. Japanese actually has multiple ways to express agreement depending on context and politeness, which makes it even more important to learn the correct phrase for the right situation. In this guide, we'll set the stage by explaining why these simple words matter and even answer common beginner questions like how to write yes in Japanese, before diving into the specific words and phrases you can use to agree naturally. はい (hai) –... Show more

Does Japan celebrate Halloween? Absolutely—but in a way that's uniquely its own. What began as a borrowed Western holiday has transformed into a nationwide celebration of creativity, cosplay, and commercial flair. Halloween in Japan is less about trick-or-treating and more about transformation, community, and seasonal spectacle. Table of Contents From Theme Parks to City Streets Shibuya Halloween: Party or Problem? Beyond Tokyo: Japan's Regional Halloween Scene Cosplay and the "Mundane Halloween" Trend Seasonal Spirit and Cultural Touches A Celebration of Expression 1. From Theme Parks to City Streets Japan's Halloween boom began in the late 1990s when Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first seasonal event. Today, Disneyland Japan's... Show more

1. Can 40 Days Really Prepare You for JLPT N4? Many learners hear they need hundreds of hours to pass the JLPT N4. That can feel overwhelming, especially if you're juggling school, work, or other commitments.  But here’s a game-changing insight: you don’t need to cram every single hour to pass. Instead, focus on quality, not just quantity. This 40‑day plan allocates around 80 hours total, about 2 hours daily. That may sound difficult, but it’s structured to target the exact grammar, vocab, kanji, and listening you need, no fluff. 2. How the JLPT N4 40-Day Plan Works A. What It Is The 40-day JLPT N4 study plan is more than just a list of lessons, it’s a full curriculum built to help you succeed. It guides you... Show more

1. Can 75 Minutes a Day Really Get You JLPT N5-Ready? Over 70% of first-time test-takers pass the JLPT N5 with just 100 hours of prep, according to JLPT official statistics. That’s about 3 hours per week over several months. But if you’re short on time or aiming for the next test date, there’s another path: 30 days of focused, consistent study. We have prepared a plan that delivers a daily roadmap to pass the JLPT N5, Japanese Language Proficiency Test’s easiest level. This plan delivers a daily roadmap that will help you pass without burning out or falling off track.. You will use JapanesePod101's pathways to help you pass the JLPT N5. You will find ebooks, practice tools, and proven methods like spaced repetition flashcards.  2.... Show more

What if you could take an actual class from home? With a native teacher and four other learners? A class where you're speaking with a native. You're having fun practicing dialogues. Where the teacher corrects your on the spot, which means you're improving on the spot. And so are the other learners in this small group class, because everyone gets plenty of attention and practice. It's not just a possibility. Group classes are the most fun and engaging way to learn , and you can attend these classes with . Table of Contents What is in a Live Group Class? Why Learn in a Group? What You Get Out of It What Our Students Say Conclusion 1. What is in a Live Group Class? With 's Live Group Class program, you can take a... Show more

As you embark on your journey to learn Japanese, you might wonder: does the Japanese language have tones? In this article, we will discuss the answer to this question. We'll also discuss pitch accent in Japanese and why it's important for effective communication. Table of Contents Does Japanese Have Tones? The Role of Pitch Accent in Japanese Language Examples Why is Understanding Pitch Accent Vital? Conclusion 1. Does Japanese Have Tones? Tonal languages are common the world over, and Asia is no exception. In addition, many words in Japanese use kanji that originally came from Chinese, which is a tonal language itself. Taking that into consideration, "Are there tones in Japanese?" is a sensible question to ask. However, spoken... Show more